Freedom of Information complaints/appeals procedure
This page outlines the requestor’s right of appeal under the Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Regulations. It describes DARD’s review procedures and the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Can I complain if I am unhappy with the Department’s handling of my request?
If you are dissatisfied with the response you have
- The right to seek an internal review
- The right to complain if we do not deal with your request within the legislative deadline, 20 working days from the date which your enquiry was received by the Department
If you wish to complain
- It should be in writing
- You should set out clearly the grounds why you believe the Department has not complied with your rights under the legislation
DARD’S FOI/EIR Request Appeals Procedure
Once we receive your complaint/appeal
- A senior official, who was not associated with the original response, will investigate your complaint
- You will receive a reply as soon as possible, normally within 20 working days
If you remain dissatisfied after exhausting the Department’s review process and, you have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner. [add link to ICO site] You should note that the Information Commissioner will consider an appeal only after you have sought a review from the Department and have received a response.